Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-06-16
A LEAK IN A MAIN.
Another Break I'm the Big Pipe ON l.
SfrPef.
THE MAIN TO BE UNCOVERED IN ORDER TO FIND THE
DEFECTIVE PLACE-A PROBABILITY THAT THE
WATER WILL BE TURNED OFF.

THE MAIN TO BE UNCOVERED IN ORDER TO FIND THE
DEFECTIVE PLACE-A PROBABILITY THAT THE
WATER WILL BE TURNED OFF.
The police discovered another big leak in the L
street water main early this morning, and at once
reported 1t to the water department. The break
occurred between 21st and 22d Streets and is ap-
parently within hundred feet OF the break
which caused such discomfort several weeks ago,
and to all appearances is Of the same character
A gang OF men, under the direction Of Superin-
tendent Hayden, were dispatched to the
scene, and at once began the work
OF searching for the break. This
it will be difficult to locate, for the reason
that the main is imbedded in made SOIL which is
very soft, and when the pavement is removed the
water springs up wherever the pick is driven into
the earth. Capt. SymOns, OF the water depart
ment, fears that this break Will necessitate the
turning OF Of the water from that main which is
the principal supply main OF the city and carries
water to all the high points, although 1t may not
have to be done until this evening. Major Moore
to have the policemen to notify residents OF the
sections which may be affected to lay in q supply
Of water suf1cient to last them until the repairs
what is the nature OF the leak-whether it is
caused by broken joint, or, as in the other case
6y tae aey w the
which Is affected, and Capt Symons SAYS that
when the break has been discovered all necessary
ItpdAIS CdA Uc mdUo WltuAu i've OF SIX QOuTS
DIGGING FOR THE LEAK.
The leak made itself manifest this morning BY
water that bubbled up around the roots of tree
1t was discovered about O'Clock, and by large
gang OF men were at work with picks and shovels,
delv1ng around the main. Thts afternoon
the the main exposed, but had 'sSn not vet
found the leak. The indications were that it was
located about IS 100 feet of the former leak
which was mended some time ago With patch.
AS the workmen dug in the trench the muddy
water rose up around their legs. The flow OF
that met while digging for the other leak, which
led Mr.. Hayden to believe that the leak was small
and might be soon repaired. At any rate he dld
not think 1t large enough to Justify cutting the
water OF until they found the leak and begun re-
pairs. There was, he thought, very saignt chance
that the leak might be remedied without cutting
OF the water. TO cut OF the water and drain the
pipes requires about three hours. and after the
repairs are completed and the water Is turned
on two hours more are required to I'LL
the pipes again. The main that is broken Is the
largest now connected with the reservoir and sup
plies larger area than any other main. All o,
the high portions OF the city north of street and
all OF Capitol Hill draw their supply from this
main.
THE CAUSE OF THE BRRAK
From Goth to ED street on l. 1t was laid in 1871
at the time the level Of this street was far below
its present grade. The large pipe was laid OF
stone piers, and between the piers and the pipt
were placed blocks OF wood. These blocks have
decayed and 1t is thought the sagging of the pipe.
on account Of the decayed blocks has caused The
present break.
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